Sikhism

The word Sikh means ‘disciple’ or ‘learner.’

The Sikh religion was founded in Northern India in the fifteenth century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Sikhism is monotheistic and stresses the equality of all men and women. Sikhs believe in three basic principles; meditating on the name of God (praying), earning a living by honest means and sharing the fruits of one’s labour with others. Sikhism rejects caste and class systems and emphasizes service to humanity. Turbans are worn to cover our long hair and with respect to God. Sikhs have unshorn hair, beards and mustaches. The Sikh faith teaches us the humanitarian principles of freedom, equality, and justice – the same principles this great democracy is founded on. There are about 25 million Sikhs in the world. Sikhs have been in the United States for over 100 years. Sikhism recognizes the universal truths that underlie all human endeavors, religions and belief systems. The universal nature of the Sikh way of life reaches out to people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds, encouraging us to see beyond our differences and to work together for world peace and harmony.